WeHa's 'Back Porch' Resnisky To Open New Restaurant

Anyone who has frequented the watering holes and restaurants in West Hartford Center for at least a decade is well-acquainted with the name Mark Resnisky.

The popular guy owned one of the city’s former best-known ‘places to be,’ The Back Porch Bistro. and now he is preparing to open a new place in Avon.

Called “The Local Grill,” Resnisky has teamed up with buddy and fellow veteran restaurateur, Butch Tougas, of Indian Hill Country Club fame, and together they have come up with a plan for a valley-worthy ‘hangout’ the Local Grill, featuring gourmet food and top-shelf vibe.

“Butch and I have wanted to do something together for a while and the space in Riverdale Farms Shopping Center was available and so here we are,” said Resnisky, who most recently owned Shea’s American Bar & Grill in Manchester. ‘The Local Grill’ will be similar to ‘The Back Porch’ with very eclectic, innovative foods , a lot of small plates and entrees and a menu that will change monthly.”

The two are in the midst of some redecorating at the space that was once occupied by the former Pappacelle and then Il Trullo. Plans are to open to the public after the Labor Day weekend, initially for supper and then lunch and dinner. A new bar has been added to the new bar/lounge area while other decorating work includes painting and some new decor.

Among the menu choices being developed so far include gourmet sandwiches including a stylized version of a classic BL&T that will feature portabella mushrooms and a Philly steak sandwich with grilled hanger steak, brie cheese and caramelized onions. Entrees will include trout, mahi mahi and steaks. There are also plans to introduce some of ’The Back Porch’ favs including its spinach salad. The partners plan to keep 15 of the most popular choices on the menu from month to month and add 15 new choices so there will be standard favorites and new choices for diners.

“We want to reinvent ourselves each month. We want to motivate people to come back,” said Resnisky. “I think a lot of restaurants ride on the same menu for years,” he said. “It’s a sophisticated dining clientele out here and they deserve a menu that offers something exciting each time they dine.”